Week Calendar

The Howard County Muslim Council is offering a free food giveaway from 8:30am-10:30am, or until supplies run out, in the parking lot of the Elkridge Branch of the Howard County Library System. 

Walking is a great way to get some activity into your routine.  Lets get up and walk together. Come and walk around East Columbia Library. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.

This is a class for adult English language learners.  Practice conversational skills and discuss topics ranging from small talk and common interests to life, work and current events.  If you're new to this class, you'll receive an email invit

This is an in-person class designed for adult English language learners. Improve your reading level and English language knowledge with evidence-based strategies that build your reading skills.

Ages 2-5 with adult. 30 minutes. Ticket required.

Children build skills in singing, talking, listening, reading, and getting along with others through stories, music, rhymes, and activities. 

Ages 0-5 with adult. 30 minutes. Ticket required.

Únase a nosotros para cuentos, canciones y rimas en español. Seguido de un tiempo de juego.

This is an in-person, drop-in class for adult English language learners.  Practice English conversational skills and discuss topics ranging from small talk and common interests to life, work and current events.

This is a class for English language learners.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.

Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning. 

Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Ticket required. Tickets will be issued 15 minutes prior to class starting.

Ages 18 mos - 3 years with adult; 20 - 30 minutes.

Stories, songs and play time.

Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Allow 20 min.

Play with our toys, read a board book, and visit with others.

This class is designed for English language learners. Improve your spoken English as we focus on listening and speaking skills with an emphasis on everyday pronunciation, intonation, and stress, as well as unique American rhythms.

2nd Wednesdays; 10 am - 12 pm   

Jan 10, Feb 14 & Mar 13

HoCo Family Support Center
9790 Patuxent Woods Dr Columbia, MD 21046
In case of inclement weather, the visit may be cancelled.

This class is designed for English language learners who are interested in taking the US citizenship exam. You'll receive an email invitation to attend an orientation first.  This orientation is required for all participants. 

This is an in-person class designed for adult English language learners. Improve your reading level and English language knowledge with evidence-based strategies that build your reading skills.

TIME FOR US

Ages 18 months-3 years with adult; 30 min.

Develop early learning skills through stories, songs, fingerplays, and rhymes.

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Ticket required.  Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

This virtual class is designed for adult English language learners who are interested in working as Ophthalmic Technicians.  Participants learn about the work setting, responsibilities, potential earnings, and a pathway to advance in the fiel

This is an in-person class for beginning English language learners.  It focuses on learning vocabulary and developing listening and reading, speaking and writing skills.  It meets in the Tapestry Room in HCLS Centra

Looking for dedicated time to work on projects? Bring stitching you'd like to finish, connect with others, and share ideas and tips. Drop in anytime between 10 am and 12 pm.

This virtual class is designed for adult English language learners. Practice speaking skills in a supportive environment. Students read one short story each week and discuss it in class.

JUST FOR ME

Ages 3-6; 30 min.

For children who are ready for an independent class that includes creative expression, listening comprehension, and early reading skills.

Limited Attendance. Ticket required.

Ticket required. Tickets will be given out 15 minutes prior to class.

This is an in-person class designed for intermediate adult English language learners.  Learn English in a supportive environment to improve your reading, writing, speaking, listening and pronunciation skills.

Ticket required.

Tickets available 15 minutes before class.

Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Tickets required. Tickets will be given out 15 minutes prior to class.

This class is designed for adult English language learners.  Parents of children aged ten and younger will gain a better understanding of informal spoken English and increase their knowledge of English vocabulary, especially as

Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Tickets required. Tickets will be given out 15 minutes prior to class.

Ages 0-5 with adult. 30 minutes. Ticket required.

Únase a nosotros para cuentos, canciones y rimas en español. Seguido de un tiempo de juego.

This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online.

Ages 2-5 with adult; 30 min. Ticket required. 

Children build skills in singing, talking, listening, reading, and getting along with others through stories, music, rhymes, and activities. 

Why do eclipses occur, when do they happen, and how can we predict their timing? Learn about and discuss the astronomical phenomenon of eclipses. Homeschoolers welcome. Younger siblings and parents invited to attend with teen participant.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 30 min.

Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.

Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min. Ticket required.

A class exploring simple science concepts and experiments inspired by children's literature.

Tickets available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.

Ages 2-5 with adult; 45 minutes.

Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.

Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Ticket required. Tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Ages 7 and up (ages 7-8 with adult); 60 mins. Registration required.

Join a chemist from the American Chemical Society and participate in hands-on activities exploring the chemistry of batteries and electricity.

Fun! Friends! Community! Culture! Social Justice! 

Are you a passionate and creative teen (ages 11-18) eager to make a difference and be a voice for your generation?

Learn and participate in the construction of a raised garden bed. We will cover building techniques and materials needed (all available to borrow from the DIY Center) as well as tips for getting your Spring planting started.

"I was born, I paint," declares Jennifer Kohn Murtha, encapsulating a lifelong passion in just four words.

Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Learn about the benefits of including native plants in your yard, see the stages of plant growth, and learn about the symbiotic relationship Maryland's native plants have with pollinators and native insects.

We will be discussing The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

Improve your ability to communicate and interact in German in a fun and casual setting.

We are meeting every second Thursday at noon in-person at East Columbia branch, and at 4 PM online via Zoom.

Attend TeenLive: REEL Fun! for these free activities and more:

Ring the dinner bell to find out what animals like to eat! Meet five of the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors and discover their favorite flavors.

Create your own campaign button in the style of the suffragettes while learning about the crafts, banners, and artwork that supported the suffrage movement. All supplies provided. 

Ages 3- 5 with adult. 30 min

Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning.

Tickets required. Tickets issued 15 minutes before the beginning of class.

Tickets required. Tickets issued 15 minutes before the beginning of class.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.

Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning. 

Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

Explore and navigate confidently on your daily journeys and travel excursions.  Learn to use Google Maps to plan trips, find landmarks, discover nearby attractions, and move through the world with ease.

HCLS is partnering with Senior Planet from AARP to help older adults use technology to learn new skills, save money, get in shape, and make new friends.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min. Ticket required.

A class exploring simple science concepts and experiments inspired by children's literature.

Tickets available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class.

Ages 5-10; allow 20-30 min.

Unleash your creativity and engineering skills to make the tallest, strongest, or most unique structure using straws.

All ages.  45 min.  Ticket required.

Share fiction and/or nonfiction titles that are on your bookshelf and we will share titles from our shelves. If you don't have a title to share, find inspiration in what others recommend and start building your reading list.

B-I-N-G-O! Get sociable and win prizes. Compete and converse with other bingo fans. 

Ages 6-9. 45 min. Ticket required.

Explore the science of coding and programming with Colby, the programmable mouse.

After school supervised safe-space for middle and high school students. Socialize with peers, do homework, or enjoy optional games, crafts, and other activities. Healthy snacks provided while supplies last.

Drop in.

A  hang out for teens to connect, play games and create.

Ages 3-5 with adult; 45 min.

Fun stories, songs, and activities for preschoolers that spark curiosity and support learning. 

Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

After school supervised safe-space for middle and high school students. Socialize with peers, do homework, or enjoy optional games, crafts, and other activities. Healthy snacks provided while supplies last.

Drop in.

A  hang out for teens to connect, play games and create.

Wednesdays  3:30 - 5:30 pm

Jan 10 & 24, Feb 14 & 28, Mar 13 & 27

Deep Run Mobile Park

6551 Old Waterloo Rd. Elkridge, MD 21075

After school supervised safe-space for middle and high school students. Socialize with peers, do homework, or enjoy optional games, crafts, and other activities. Healthy snacks provided while supplies last.

Drop in.

A  hang out for teens to connect, play games and create.

A  hang out for teens to connect, play games and create.

Ages 11-14. Read and discuss books with diverse viewpoints that tackle tough issues, such as finding and establishing identity. Reading the book is encouraged, but not required.

Ages 14-17 | Registration preferred | Pick up the book from Miller Branch's customer service desk* | Pizza included!

Looking for a way to spend an inspirational afternoon?

Join us for an author and film event wiith The Sledges, a husband and wife writing, publishing, and production team.

Ages 11-17. Drop-in.

Are you stressed? What is causing your stress? Share your story in a safe, supportive environment of peers. Then learn strategies to manage stress, anxiety and provide self care. Presented by Rescue1 Youth Club of Elkridge with Dr.

Do you struggle with math homework or tests? Do you want to improve your math skills and confidence? If you answered yes, then this is the perfect class for you!

Do you enjoy science class? Do you enjoy hands-on activities? Explore how you can create various kinds of “weird” substances in this class. Come explore the eerier side of science that teachers don’t want you find out about. 

Graphic design and digital art guidance provided as you work on your own digital art, with access digital drawing applications such as Procreate and Autodesk Sketchbook.  Students will get hands-on experience with hardware like the Apple iPad

Get your game on at the library! Play Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or a mix of all three! 

Improve your ability to communicate and interact in German in a fun and casual setting.

Meet via Zoom every second Thursday of the month. 

Interact with the fascinating elements in the periodic table! Learn about the structure of the periodic table and how you can infer element characteristics based on periodic trends. Taught by a HiTech instructor.

Drop-in to use the equipment in the A/V Studio! Record and mix music or create and edit movies with the help of a HiTech Instructor.
No registration required. Grades 6-12.

Ages 8-12. Some of the most loved pop artists today, especially Billie Eilish, have begun experimenting with incorporating natural sounds into their beats and music.

Ages 11-18  | Walk-in, no registration needed, but feel free to register for reminders.

Ages 11 - 17. Registration required.

Kindergarten- 2nd grade. 45 minutes - 1 hour. Registration required.

Ages 6-9; 30 min. Ticket required.

Únete a un tiempo Lectura en Español nivel Basico y diviértete con actividades relacionadas con el libro de la semana.

Kindergarten- 2nd grade. 45 minutes - 1 hour. Registration required.

Ages 11-18  |  *Registration Required(see note below), walk-in students with waiver are welcome if space allows

Drop-in to use the equipment in the A/V Studio! Record and mix music or create and edit movies with the help of a HiTech Instructor.  No registration require

3rd - 5th grade. 45 minutes - 1 hour. Registration required.

3rd - 5th grade. 45 minutes - 1 hour. Registration required.

Have ideas for future teen classes and events? Want to help with our teen collections by making suggestions and being a beta reader? Want to hang with other cool library teens and earn service hours?

Between the Lines​ is a space for readers who want to make an effort to read, highlight, and discuss layered stories.

Ticket required. Free tickets will be available 15 minutes before class.

This is an in-person class for English language learners. It focuses on essential English grammar and on the basics of writing for work and personal communication. The class meets every Monday night at the Central Branch.

Ages 8-12; 30 min. Ticket required.

Join us for an informal Spanish conversation and homework assistance time. We will practice basic phrases and vocabulary.

Ages: 11 - 18. Meet up with fellow fans and discuss your favorite series/games. We will be watching anime together, having game demos, making art/crafts, and exploring some Japanese language/cultural tie-ins. Drop-ins encouraged and welcomed!

All ages. Allow 30 min.

Join us for friendly games of Mah Jongg with players of all levels of experience.  We have both American and Asian sets available!

2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings:

March 12 and 26

This is an in-person class for beginning adult English language learners. It meets weekly in HCLS Central Branch. You will receive an email invitation to attend an orientation.

Grades 4-6. RG, Registration required. 60 minutes.

All ages. Allow 30 min.

Are you ready to level up your gaming skills and have some fun? Stop by and play different video games that are fun for the whole family!

This class an in-person class designed for intermediate English language learners who wish to improve their English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.  The class meets in HCLS Central Branch.

Ages 6-9; 45-60 min. Registration required.

For children transitioning from early readers to chapter books. After reading the title, join us for fun activities that include reading comprehension exercises and games.

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Ages 11 - 15. Registration required.

Families; allow 30 minutes. Ticket required.

Explore and engage in various STEM activities through self-guided stations.

During this class participants will have the opportunity to create an original linocut. They'll learn carving techniques for printmaking, how to color separate their artwork, and how to hand press their own prints.

All ages.  45 min.  Ticket required.

This is a class for English Language Learners.  Practice conversational skills and discuss topics like small talk, common interests, life, work, and current events in a safe and supportive environment. The is an in-person class that meets in

DEAR: DOGS EDUCATING AND ASSISTING READERS 

Ages 5-10; allow 20 min. Parent/guardian must sign permission slip or have one on file prior to participating.